My name is Vishwanath Davangere Mallabadi. I was born in Chitradurga,
Karnataka, India on 22 October 1962. I grew up in an atmosphere where art was
respected and encouraged and still is. I thus inherited a priceless
legacy. My father, Late D. M. Shambhu was a famous sculptor and painter who
dedicated his life to restoring and maintaining valued artifacts under the
aegis of the Government of India. In fact, my father's uncanny eye for detail
and finesse has had a profound impact on me throughout my professional
career.
My Father and Mother have been my prime motivators. I married my
lifelong companion, Dr. Nirmala, and have a resourceful daughter. My father
wanted me to be a Doctor, but I was not medically waste inclined. However, the
traits of a Medical Practitioner were imbibed by me during the time when I
assisted my Father in his endeavors in various artistic forms and
mediums.
I decided to pursue my professional career in Art & Design. My
self-validation skills with constant encouragement from my Father developed my
creative talent. By age 18, I had developed obvious skills as an artist and
reinforced my skills by completing my professional degree in B.F.A. in Applied
Art. I studied at the College of Art (1983-1987) in New Delhi, India.
At the age of 23, I used to explore second-hand trash objects and try to
convert them into worthy objects. I started exploring new art forms within
e-waste. Fortunately, I was part of HAM radio, wherein I developed my technical
skills and learned the fundamentals of technology, electronics, and
fabrication. Subsequently, it inspired me to know more about electronic product
design. My philosophy and rationale for creating something extraordinary are by
doing a fusion between creativity and technology. I always enforced my acquired
technical knowledge and blend it with my artistic skills.
I thus blended Creativity with Modernity and forms. I always wanted
to challenge myself by doing something unique. Thoroughly inspired, I started
exploring my passion by creating new art forms. I chose e-waste as a
medium to express my ideas.
I am passionate and dedicated to the work I do and I thoroughly enjoy
it. The effort involves a lot of patience, love, and determination. For me, no
waste is waste, I see interesting forms in e-waste. I upcycle them and try to
give a second life to inanimate objects. I scrutinize e-waste and restore
potential components, finally transforming the e-waste into unimaginable
amazing masterpieces.
The creation process seeks serendipity and aesthetics. I try to bring in
the creative vision to discarded e-waste and add higher environmental value
than it had in its original state.
Upcycling is a key concept to add value to junk e-waste. I have created many
unconventional and iconic designs out of e-waste. I try to interconnect
distinctive e-waste pieces into a coherent composition, improvise with
different forms and keep working until I am satisfied with the results. I enjoy
discovering what I am creating while I am doing it and I have an irresistible urge. I
practice keeping an open mind to the subconscious and like to be surprised by
the outcome of my work. I get inspired and fascinated by the inner forms of
electronic equipment, its intricate unnoticed textures and vibrant colors, and
its intrinsic characters.
For me, e-waste has a life of its own, and at times, it provokes me to
reincarnate. I am consistently aiming for new and unusual compositions, with
visually arresting expressions. My remarkable eco artworks do offer inspiration
to young artists.
My talent has been recognized by India Talent Magazine and exhibited my
works at the International Conference for Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG) and got a lot of recognition from News and Television Media.
I am keenly interested in conducting workshops and lecturing at conferences and
seminars to promote e-waste awareness. My intention is to bring an emotional
connect between people and e-waste. Eventually, I am anticipating large
eco-art installation works.
Currently, I am working on a collage portrait of Shri Narendra
Modi India’s Prime Minister. My future plans are to create contemporary
abstract art series on “An Indian Icon”. I strongly believe that art from
e-waste could be an alternative method for recycling and preventing landfills. However,
this unique spin on upcycling e-waste doesn’t just give birth to stimulating
art, it also generates revenue from the sale of usable products. My
never-ending investigation of e-waste and creating beautiful, spectacular art
will last forever.
Being a designer and environmentalist, I am concerned about the future
generation and trying to do my bit for the betterment of the coming generation.
I encourage everyone to leverage their hidden potential and be creative. A
unique eco-warrior in true Gandhian spirit.